North South University’s (NSU) Department of Public Health, in collaboration with the North South University Public Health and Sciences Club (PHSC), officially inaugurated Health Fest 2026, a three-day festival dedicated to promoting public health awareness, education, research, and community engagement. The festival is being held from 14 to 16 July 2026 at the NSU campus, a press release said.

The inauguration ceremony was held at the NSU Lower Plaza, with distinguished guests from academia, healthcare, industry, and the university administration in attendance.

Dr. Tahmeed Ahmed, Executive Director of icddr,b, attended the inauguration ceremony as the Keynote Speaker and Special Guest. The event was graced by M. A. Kashem, Member of the Board of Trustees, North South University; Benajir Ahmed, Member of the Board of Trustees, North South University; Mohammad Faizur Rahman, CEO of United Healthcare; Md. Khalid Mahmood Khan, Managing Director & CEO of Southeast Bank PLC, as Guests of Honour and Special Guests; Professor Nasar U. Ahmed, Pro Vice Chancellor of North South University; Dr. Kumkum Pervin, Assistant General Manager of Navista Pharma PLC. The inauguration ceremony was chaired by Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice Chancellor of North South University. 

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Tahmeed Ahmed emphasised the importance of addressing malnutrition, including child malnutrition, through innovation. He said, “Today’s public health challenges, particularly malnutrition and child malnutrition, require innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based solutions. Young professionals and students must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to address these challenges and contribute to sustainable healthcare systems.”

M. A. Kashem, Member of the Board of Trustees, North South University, said, “North South University has always encouraged excellence in education and research. To address the evolving challenges in public health, we must strengthen our research capacity and produce internationally recognised research that contributes to global knowledge and improves the well-being of society.”

Benajir Ahmed, Member of the Board of Trustees, North South University, said, “Health Fest 2026 reflects North South University’s commitment to academic excellence and social responsibility. This festival highlights the importance of creating platforms where students can connect classroom knowledge with practical experiences, foster innovation, and develop solutions that benefit society.” 

Mohammad Faizur Rahman, CEO of United Healthcare, said, “Public-private partnerships are essential to advancing healthcare services and improving access to quality care. We are pleased to support initiatives that promote health awareness and encourage the next generation of healthcare professionals.”

Dr. Kumkum Pervin, Assistant General Manager of Nuvista Pharma PLC, remarked, “Health awareness begins with education. Events like Health Fest provide an excellent opportunity for students to engage with health professionals, exchange ideas, and understand the evolving needs of the healthcare sector.”

Chairing the session, Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice Chancellor of North South University, said, “Health Fest 2026 is an important initiative to create greater public awareness about health and well-being. As we work toward achieving global health goals, we must also address pressing challenges such as plastic pollution and its impact on human health and the environment. Through education, research, and collective action, we can help ensure better health for all.” 

Speaking as the Guest of Honour, Dr. Nasar U. Ahmed stated, “The future of healthcare depends on collaboration among academia, industry, and policymakers. I encourage our students to embrace innovation, critical thinking, and leadership as they work toward improving public health outcomes.”

Sponsored by Southeast Bank PLC and United Healthcare, the three-day Health Fest 2026 features a diverse range of activities, including health awareness campaigns, health screenings, academic competitions, workshops, seminars, exhibitions, and interactive sessions. The three-day festival aims to encourage knowledge sharing, innovation, and collaboration among students, healthcare professionals, researchers, and industry leaders while promoting healthier communities.

The festival is expected to attract participants from universities, healthcare institutions, and organisations across the country, reaffirming North South University’s commitment to advancing public health education, research, and community engagement.